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Tamil Nadu

Airavatesvara Temple

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January

18.5 - 32.2 °C

February

19.0 - 35.6 °C

March

19.8 - 38.7 °C

April

22.2 - 40.4 °C

May

24.0 - 41.1 °C

June

23.1 - 41.2 °C

July

22.8 - 39.4 °C

August

22.5 - 38.7 °C

September

22.3 - 36.8 °C

October

22.8 - 35.5 °C

November

20.0 - 33.1 °C

December

19.1 - 31.2 °C


Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

Nearest Railway Station :

Thanjavur Railway Station (TJ)

Major Airports :

Madurai International Airport (IXM), Madurai

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

Time travel to the 12th century

During their dominant reign over South India, the Chola kings built the Great Living Chola Temples - majestic places of worship spread across South India and a few neighbouring islands. These temples are treasure houses, storing troves of historical, religious and cultural history, besides their monetary treasures.

The Airavatesvara Temple is one such temple, a magnificent monument with ten centuries of history encapsulated between its walls and the temple complex. Built in the 12th century CE by the famous Chola king Rajaraja Chola II, it stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty's rich cultural heritage. With its stunning architecture, intricate sculptures, vivid paintings, and exquisite bronze casting, it is a true marvel.

The Airavatesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is named after 'Airavat,' the majestic white elephant of Lord Indra. One of its most striking features is the singing steps inside the sanctuary that produce a musical note as you walk on them.

Signature Chola architecture immortalised

The Cholas built hundreds of Hindu temples across their empire, and among them, four were vast complexes with all-stone vimanas. The Airavatesvara temple is one of these four, classified as Karakkoil, a temple designed like chariots taken in procession during festivals.

The artwork adorning the temple is detailed, intricate, and breathtakingly beautiful—true poetry in stone. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the main stonework resembles a chariot. The entire complex is rich with carvings and inscriptions that tell stories from ancient Indian Puranas. Words can't capture the charm and splendour of this structure; it's something to be seen and experienced.

One of the most awe-inspiring features of the temple is the musical steps. These seven singing steps, leading to the altar, are intricately carved to represent seven musical notes. What a fascinating piece of art that dates back thousands of years.

According to another legend, Yama, the God of Death, was cursed by a sage, causing a constant burning sensation all over his body. The Airavatesvara Temple is believed to be where Yama prayed to Lord Shiva and freed himself from the curse by taking a dip in the sacred temple tank. This holy tank is now known as 'Yamatheertham'.


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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Beyond the temple

There is so much to explore in the historical temple town of Thanjavur. Let your spiritual journey guide you to the Brihadisvara Temple, another Chola architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a trip down history lane at Thanjavur Maratha Palace, home of the Tanjore royal family which now houses museums, galleries and sculptures dedicated to the empires and legacies of Thanjavur’s rich past.

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